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Oguzz07

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I have an anxiety disorder and often get panic attacks. I just got fired from my new job as a cashier in a supermarket. Sitting in the toilet room of a big shopping centre crying as I am typing this. This was my first real job since I finished school in may last year. So today was my first day and it all started really bad. Every bread and vegetable has its own number which I have to type into the cash register. I don't know any of them so I have to look everything up on a piece of paper. That takes a while and I'm not really comfortable with that cash register as I never used something like that before. It took me quite some time to get through each customer and I often had to call another worker to come help me. The line at my register got bigger and bigger. We have 3 cashiers but for some reason all the customers were in my line and my coworkers didn't really care. Then there was that older gentleman, I accidentaly typed in the wrong number for his bread, I apologized and called for a coworker. The man got really annoyed and started to yell at me, I didn't know what to do. The other customers just stared angrily at me and started to express how slow I am. At that point I was close to crying and I got a panic attack. Finally my boss came and explained he doesn't want me here and that I need to pack my stuff and leave. So yea, I don't know what to do, my parents are going to kill me. I'm lost, I can't even have a normal job for a day. I hope this is readable as english isn't my first language and I'm still pretty nervous about everything. Edit: Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it. I called some people and have a job interview this friday at a place I like Edit 2: Wow this really blew up huh, again, thank you so much for your nice comments. I've read all of them and I am speechless. Also a big thanks to the person who gave this post platinum, I appreciate it very much. I don't really know what to say, this community is so kind. Thank you

Why would they put you by yourself on your first day? Sounds like an awful manager.

I’ll go first. I can go from headache to tumor in 2.5 seconds.

I considered not answering this post in case I offended someone

Time anxiety as in having anxiety that you won't ever have enough time to do something specific. In my case, I always get anxious when my wife has me run to the store or go to an appointment mainly because I fear I won't have enough time to do things that I wanna do even going as far as to get annoyed in my head when I'm told to let the dog out after work... ​ I am happy to have plenty of free time once I'm off from work, about 6 hours till I go to sleep so 5-6 hours of me doing what I want but when something simple like letting the dog out, shaving, cleaning a bathroom comes up I get anxiety thinking oh crap I'm, not gonna have enough time to do what I wanna do....how can you get past this? It's obviously silly to me because doing all that takes very little time and when i do have free time I spend it watching tv and hardly doing anything productive... ​ I want to get up go to the gym, Read a book, go play with my dog but i always get this anxiety that i guess something will happen so I choose to spend my time resting incase i need my energy for something else...

Yes. I absolutely hate last minute changes, surprise visits, or spontaneous requests. I like taking risks and having adventures, but it 100 percent has to be on my terms or I end up in a panic spiral. How do I stop it? I'm straight to the point "no you can't come over, I'm too stressed out. What about tomorrow?" I hate when I feel imposed upon.

Edit: Thank you for all the upvotes. My new personal record I think:) it's such an important message. That no one should have anxiety because it's difficult and hard. That no person on planet earth deserves Anxiety or Depression!

YELL IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK

I FINALLY was able to drive to the store and grocery shop BY MYSELF!!!! Since last August my anxiety had gotten so severe that I couldn't drive, could barely leave the house (especially alone) and couldn't function normally around anyone other than my husband. I was so happy and proud that I ugly cried in the car when I got home.

Well done. You smell the success? Lets get some more succes 💪

I don't know if this is anxiety linked or not but Ive always has this sense to rush things. I always want to get things done and completed, even enjoyable things sometimes. Like I want to move on to the next thing or I just want to finish things so I can relax. But then when I have nothing to do I don't have anything I even want to do. I feel like it's really hard for me to just enjoy what I'm doing whether it's good or bad, work or fun, etc. I've read of "Hurry Sickness" but it feels like that matches people that are actually busy and want to do more things. Im not really a busy person, it's like I'm in a rush to get back to doing nothing.

Yes, this used to be me! I feel like it’s part of anxiety. I used to create never ending lists of things, or make things into bigger jobs than they were, so I could feel busy, but in control. It could be an adrenaline thing, and it also could be the sense that if you didn’t do it as fast as you could something bad might happen. One of the most transformative moments I’ve had is realising how manic I was during everyday tasks, and I didn’t need to be. Bringing awareness to it and slowing it down really made a difference for me.

Merry Christmas to everyone on here and always remember, if you currently feel bad, there ARE much better days ahead!

I personally have been talked through multiple panic attacks on the r/Anxiety discord. I'm incredibly grateful for those who have the emotional strength to give back to others, I would like to but at the moment I'm just struggling to stay alive (but I plan to once I'm in a better place). Thank you so much to all those good samaritans out there, you really make a huge difference and it's not an exaggeration at all to say they are lifesavers.

I cant tell if this is overdramatic or adorable, but I got this beautiful baby boy the other day, and hes just so sweet and wonderful. Lately at times I've felt a lack of empathy and alot of anxiety, but when I saw him I thought of how small he is and how I cant wait to be a dad. And I had a ton of anxiety regarding whether I set up his safe room well and if I would do something wrong and all that. All is going well so far, but just sitting here with him seeing how beautiful he is, and releazing how much I really do love him, I've just been crying my eyes out. Idk if this is weird or not. Regardless, I'm happy to welcome home my little Why Not. His names Olly💙

I felt the same way, it's not weird. What is weird is the lack of cat picture in this post!

That would be sweet, aye?

More than you know. Tiny home, acres of land, nobody around for miles. String retro lights above a rooftop deck and listen to nothing but the wind and trees swaying and the sound of birds in the trees. Cozy up during winter storms and rustle under a blanket while the outside winds pile against the windows. Yes please.

I already feel like a burden to everyone around me, so whenever someone criticizes me of a relatively small thing (justly) I spiral into this pit where I think that I'm making other people's lives worse by being a piece of shit. Drinking two cups of coffee in the morning probably didn't help either... 😅 Any tips on how to shake this feeling off?

I relate to this so much, I’ve internalized even the smallest critique for years and hold onto it, it’s an awful thing This might sound a little wishy-washy but I’ve found writing daily affirmations has started to help me accept my imperfections, ones I write regarding this issue are: ‘I am not my mistakes’ ‘In every struggle lies a learning experience’ and ‘I forgive myself’. Sounds silly but the more I write them out and say them it tricks my brain into believing it more. Also doing something I’m bad at (for me, starting ballet again) has been helpful in that case bc I make a LOT of mistakes and get critiqued by my teacher, but it’s been pushing me to accept that I will never be perfect, and criticism is inevitable, but if I do my best i will be proud of myself. Not sure if any of this is helpful, I think it’s about sitting with yourself and working out what exercises you can give yourself to challenge that particular anxiety. Good luck and remember none of us will ever be perfect, and growth is a good thing!

Since we transitioned to online classes, my Spanish professor still wanted to meet with us so we could continue to practice speaking Spanish. When we first started doing this, I wondered what would happen if only one person showed up, and now I know. This morning, I was the only student that joined the call for the majority of the session. Another student joined about 10 minutes before the call was supposed to end. It didn't make me panic as much as I thought it would, but I did kinda panic a little bit whenever it took me too long to answer some of the activities. I did get the chance to have a little bit of a one on one lesson to practice using words in the past tense. We have an Oral Interview coming up soon and I needed the practice because I will have to talk in the past tense. It also made me feel a little better about making mistakes (learning a second language is very hard). My professor was very patient when I took a little bit longer to answer some of the questions and was helpful when I couldn't remember some words. It made me feel a little more confident and if I stay focused, I think I'll be able to get a lot of my schoolwork done today. I have two assignments due later today and I feel confident that I'm gonna get them done and turned in today.

As someone who has taught, I can tell you that no matter how many mistakes you made, you were his favorite student this morning. Best of luck on your exam. Salud!

Literally, nothing. Reddit, ring a few friends, rarely go out and I'm unemployed. I'm 30 and I feel like a piece of garbage

I hear you. I'll want to play a video game, or watch a show on Netflix, but then my brain goes down the rabbit hole of, "Well I could be doing this, this, and this, which are way more productive." This happens even if there are no chores left to do in the house. This thought process basically paralyzes me in my chair, and I end up scrolling through Reddit for hours instead of doing things I actually want to do. In the meantime my husband will be right next to me at his desk happily playing video games without a care in the world. I really envy him sometimes for being able to come home, sit down, and just *do whatever the fuck he wants.* It kills me when I accomplish absolutely nothing in a day. It leaves me with no goals, no enjoyement, and is just slowly killing me. This bizarre fear of wasting time just results in wasted time.

When ever I’m relaxing feeling good I’ll think about the fact that I feel good and not anxious and it makes me have anxiety.

similarly to this, whenever i’m having a good day i think to myself like “well tomorrow will certainly be bad because of your good day today” as if the universe is keeping score or something, and then i get anxious about what bad thing will happen tomorrow, ruining my good day

The majority of my anxiety is driven by societal expectations. I don't have a license because I hate driving...an expectation that didn't even exist before the 1900s. I hated school and struggle with work because I constantly feel I'm not smart enough for the task. I hate money and insurance because I never have enough. I hate appointments and social gatherings because people expect me to appear normal and put-together. I hate this century because I feel like a wild animal that is expected to pay taxes instead of thriving in nature and foraging for food.

YES. My anxiety is very work related. The pressure to be an extremely hard worker with some hot career is such bullshit to me. I always have a ton of shame associated with my lack of a career, work ethic and having no money. I wish it were okay to admit that some people (me) are just not suitable for hard work and that should be okay. And it's even more ridiculous that it's near impossible to live comfortably in America if you're not working your ass off...it fucking sucks!!!

And I didn’t even shit myself. Mission accomplished!

Something I still can't do 😞

Dont get me wrong i was anxious but i was able to get through it and had a good day at work EDIT: my heart was racing almost all day while I was there because I'm not use to working. Ive been unemployed and unactive for almost a year so it made me anxious about my heart. But i didn't have any chest pains or anything so i guess it was all anxiety related THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT! YOU ARE AWESOME

I'm so glad you had a good day !! Congratulations :) You deserve to feel proud

"Just exercise". "Keep yourself busy". "Its all in your head, just tell yourself you're fine". "I know you feel like youre having a heart attack, have you tried to meditate it away?" I cannot fix a chemical imbalance in my brain as easy as you fucking people make it sound like I can. Sometimes it gets bad enough to be seemingly out of my control. Your lack of good advice and your bullshit quick-fixes do not help at all. "I give you options and you shoot them down without trying them". You ever consider you're not the first to suggest it? Making me feel like shit during a panic attack really helps, eh?

I have this underlying anxiety almost 24/7 which has prevented me from experiencing a lot of things and going after things that I want because every time I do the anxiety is so debilitating that I just need to go and chill. Have you guys found anything that works for you?

After a whole night of worrying myself, and crying I ACTUALLY PAST MY TEST!! I’m so happy :))). Edit: Thank you all for your congratulations. It helps me so much to know that I’m not alone with dealing with anxiety. I wish you all the best, I’ve made sure to read every comment.

hello i am going to take the drivers test in a few months but i always get anxiety while driving like chest tightness and sweaty palms and muscle tension do you have any advicd

A coping mechanism I have is that I’ll sort of get through the hours of the day until it is nighttime and I know I can have the sweet release of sleep soon. Of course this isn’t every day but I usually look forward to sleep because it’s the only time I am really guaranteed not to feel anxiety/dread. Of course, some days I will sorta forget about it, but it seems that the like the main objective of the day is to get to the end of it. Funny enough, I actually don’t mind living like that, I find it very comforting knowing I get an 8-hour break from my anxiety every day. I still have plenty of days where I am enjoying the things through the day, but even on those days when 5 hours fly by I’m like “oh bonus I’m closer to bed”. Some days it’s like my only hope though where I am really all over the place and it’s my anchor to keep going. Idk, I’m sure it sounds bad that I “look forward to going to sleep everyday” but I find it a pretty good coping mechanism.

Are you me? I am a "high functioning" person despite my anxiety. I get my work done, meet deadlines, do life..but the entire time I'm doing anything outside of my home, I am counting down the minutes until it's all over and I can go home and get in my bed.

I'm 25F and I have anxiety. Obsessive and intrusive thoughts. Panic. Paranoia. Constant worry. Incapacity of joy and calmness. All this in a loop. All of this makes me forget about my body. So it accumulates a huge amount of stress. When my body is relaxed, my mind follows it. I always forget about this. Always. And if I remember I don't do anything about it because I'm too busy worrying about shit. Take a deep, really deep deep breath. Hold it. Let it go. Dance. Take warm or cool baths. Comb your hair. Drink lots of water. Stretch. Take sunbathes. Hydrate your skin. Put your feet on scented water. Run. Ride a bicycle. Cry. Walk on the rain. Get a massage. Feel the wind on your face. Get a sweet hug from a loved one. Your mind will follow.

It is so hard to remember this when you are stuck in such a dark place so thank you for the reminder and hope everyone's hanging in there, we got this!

Cashier would gladly help explaining the menu, and it's not a big deal at all. Plus, I can find some enjoyment making small interaction with strangers. Still need to work on my eye contact though

That’s why I always look up the menu on their website or Yelp before I even walk in.

....small steps

Damn! That is one of my goals to accomplish by the end of this year!

I’ve been feeling very calm and relaxed recently, and because I was so accustomed to confusion and worry, mainly due to not having a clue how to behave socially and being fearful of having a meltdown whenever I’m at work and people all talk at me at once, being in such a calm state felt like, to me, I was high. As in, stoned or dosed up on benzos. I should mention I didn’t actually take anything. Who else has noticed this? It made me realise how intrusive and disruptive anxiety actually is, and that despite letting it exist, it’s way too much of a plastic bag over my head to ignore, which is why I am going to make more of an effort to counter it instead of living with it.

Whenever I'm calm, I freak out and end up being anxious all over again. It never ends

If you also had a bad day, I hope you treat yourself too 💓 Edit: thank you for the awards kind internet strangers 😄 also, it is so good to read that others are being good to themselves too!

As a sushi chef I can confirm that treating yourself to sushi is a great play

Even if you have good mental health days Even if you don't have severe symptoms Even if you are high functioning You're not faking it, you're not attention seeking Anxiety is tricky to navigate and you're doing so well EDIT: I'm so glad this helped people, this is what I needed to hear and I thought since I'm getting better I'd share this with everyone. It takes hard work dedication and a heck of a lot of time but recovery is possible, I believe in you all <3

thank you.

This will get better. You’re okay. It’s okay. You are safe.

Thank you. I’m having an awful day anxiety wise… I feel like I’m at square 1 and it’s that familiar feeling that “this time it just won’t end.” Reading this made things a little bit brighter.

Edit-thanks everyone for all the comments and hugs. I got so many useful tips!!

It's the other way for me. Maybe I feel like gloomy weather matches my reality and sunny weather feels like the world telling me I don't belong here, because I'm not as "sunny" as a person.

Your friends, your coworkers, your family... And all you're trying to do is be kind, be funny, express your love, try and be loved back. You're just trying to be less lonely. Yet it seems like everyone can't stand you. Either it's true or you're paranoid, neither is good for the mind and soul.

Yes. All the time

Seriously. I got a new job and I had my first real task earlier this week. And I spent the *entire* week in and out of anxiety attacks. Couldn’t get out of bed. But also couldn’t sleep. I felt physically ill and wanted to vomit but I couldn’t. I couldn’t eat anything except some bread that I forcefed myself just so that I could take antacids. And all I could do was sob uncontrollably and think of how much I want to die. Then the work task I had been dreading happened, and...my symptoms just melted away. It was almost magical. I felt so relieved but also so incredibly stupid. I *knew* nothing seriously bad could happen, that even the worst case scenario was pretty alright. But my body was just convinced I was going to die. It’s like my nervous system is a mechanical bull without an off switch and all I can do is hang on for dear life while it knocks me around and tires itself out. No chance at conversation or understanding, just mindless panic. All I want is to punch my anxiety in the face and yell “can we at least talk about this?”

I am sorry you were going through this! I dealt with this exact thing this week also from work (except I am still anxious about it as it is 99% complete and now out of my hands- just not as severe anymore) I am sorry this is happening to you!! This is also my first time on this thread and reading people explain the exact symptoms I feel is actually a bit comforting. So know you are not alone in this and I understand how terrible it is to feel this way. I hope you now have some peace!

Do one small thing that brings you peace. Take a shower, text a loved one, step outside. One little step is all you need to remind yourself that this is not permanent. &#x200B; Hope y'all have a great day! &#x200B; EDIT: Sorry if I didn't reply to everyone, sometimes I get overwhelmed by the many comments I receive.

Yesterday I decided to leave work early and invest the rest of the day to myself. If you have this option I highly suggest it. Quickly helped me regain mental energy

idk i see a lot of people that are like “god i wish i was a child again, not caring what anyone thought of me” and i just.. cant relate? i legit cannot remember a time where i didn’t obsess over how people felt about me, or didnt worry about things that didnt even concern me, and it affected literally EVERYTHING i did as a kid. i feel like i couldn’t fully enjoy doing anything, and as a near-adult i look back and see how im doing so much better? i feel like it wasn’t a normal level of childhood shyness because it took a few years of therapy to get to where i am today. anyone else experience this?

Yeah, pretty much only when I was REALLY young was I truly carefree. I became slowly more shy and anxious every year, I would say by age 12 the anxiety kind of climaxed into being truly terrible. We always look at the past with rose colored glasses on. I know for me personally, I try to remind myself that I had more freedom but less agency, and being an adult I can actually do what I need to do to change my life so I can ease my anxiety. Didn't have that option as a kid. Maybe you can relate?

&#x200B; You are going to make it through this even if you feel like you aren't. No matter how alone you feel, its just that, a feeling, in reality you have us all with you. This is not a journey you are taking by yourself. Crying is not weakness, its emotion. Its empathy and you are blessed to have it in the times in which we live. Its a resource even more precious than platinum. We aren't broken, its the world around us that is. We just see it for what it is and care enough for those whom are cold. Stop being so hard on yourself, you are exactly who you need to be. Don't let a day go by without telling those around you that you love them and learn to accept love from others even if you feel like you don't deserve it. You do, we all do. One race, the human race. One love. &#x200B; edit: I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who has taken the time to share such love in this thread. Thank you so much. I am often hesitant to write my feelings out for fear of being judged but I have learned that it also helps me heal. Thank you again, you and you're family stay healthy.

This is the first time I ever read something like this all the way through. Usually I read a few words till I realize it’s another “you got this” quote/post and roll my eyes and continue on scrolling. I really needed this, especially right now. Thank you.

I have no idea why, but when it rains or when it storms it gives me so much peace of mind. it helps me for some reason and it eases my body and it allows me to relax therefore easing my anxiety symptoms. it’s raining right now and I feel so care free and good I’m not sure why. does anyone else feel this. I get so happy when it rains and i100% prefer it over a sunny day.

Completely agree. It's super relaxing and really helps me focus. Last night I put on a video game song that plays when it rains in-game, added rain sound effects behind it and just felt really good. Edit: [Here is the song](https://youtu.be/lTKrmuU0C3s)

Keep going! I love you all ❤️

That really is what I needed right now. Have an award my man!

Side note: when I’m alone, I find a way to just essentially spam text in group chats because I feel like my mind has to be occupied by something somewhat enjoyable to cope. When people don’t answer quickly, I just quickly assume they’re being busy and productive with their time which makes me feel like shit. Edit: this is definitely social anxiety but just a different way of coping with it than what one would figure from someone having social anxiety

Sometimes. If it was an actual problem, then I think they’d call it pressured speech. Maybe they just are busy my not being productive at all. You don’t know. Try not to jump to conclusions, because some people are slow to respond via text. Sometimes they may not have their phone with them. 🙂

This is going to sound so weird, which is why I really want to see if anyone else feels like this. I have awful anxiety and always plan out my routine with at least an hour gap of having to get somewhere. But when the time comes to actually leave the house, I... can’t? Like the ability to get out of bed, to put clothes on, take my pills, to ensure I put some sort of substance into my body... is exhausting and I keep putting it off until I’m literally so late that it makes me hate myself even more. But yet the consequences of my actions aren’t as anxiety inducing now that I realize that I’m late? I lay there like “oh I should leave in 10 minutes but I haven’t even gotten up... what is the point?” and then drag myself out of bed, cursing myself for giving in. And then the entire time I’m on my way there, my depression hits and I’m beating myself up because DUH, I’m awfully late and now the other party who told me a time to meet up has to wait for my sad, pathetic self to show up. I don’t know what’s wrong with me and I don’t think this is normal? Can anyone relate or am I crazy?

Yes!

Been in a bad way the past couple of years, stuck in a rut with no light at the end of the tunnel. There’s been many times I contemplated suicide. The other day I just thought fuck it I’m making something of myself, so step 1 of that was contributing to society (get a job), step 2 is to move to a better area somewhere I can feel more happy and fulfilled. Still not out of the woods yet but I’m trying given the terrible circumstances. Of course I am anxious and scared still of the uncertainty, I hear the horrible voice saying ‘everything will fail’ ‘nothing will work out for you’ London will be a fresh start for me, whilst I’m at it I might even change my name and identity lol

Proud of you! That is a beautiful mindset ❤️❤️

My anxiety is partly linked to my extreme emetophobia (fear of vomiting) and for those of you who don't know about it, it ruins every aspect of my life, to the point where if I get the slightest stomach pain or uncomfortable feeling ill panic, which results in me having stomach pains all the time, and sometimes, maybe once a month or so I'll come across feeling awful, with crippling stomach pains and end up on the toilet for half an hour with poop coming out like a faucet, does anyone else experience diarrhea along with their anxiety? It really sucks

Any time I get even a twinge of anxiety it sets my stomach off and I get poop cramps and diarrhea. It’s super annoying and inconvenient especially when out in public which lead me to have another phobia, shitting in someone’s car lmao.

Just how dare they? I have spent an hour preparing. I have done breathing exercises to calm myself down and not cry. I prepared my bed for the ease of running away and hiding in it as soon as the phone call is done. I rehearsed my opening line and all possible outcomes. I considered just not calling, but told myself "NO this is important, you can do this!" I finally press the call button and the signal sound makes me even more anxious. I keep breathing and rehearsing. And then they just... don't pick up. **The audacity** (of this absolutely random and unaware of my suffering person)

I feel instant relief if they don't pick up, but then start feeling anxious because I have to call again 😅

I really struggle to prioritize my own wellbeing when it comes to work. I'm really scared of being seen as a bad employee. I started a new job a few months ago and it's been incredibly stressful. My anxiety is at an all-time high. So I called out today to give myself a little break. I'm really proud of myself for prioritizing my mental health. Of course, a part of me feela guilty, but I'm trying to redirect my thoughts.

This needs to be normalized. Good for you

GOOD GOD I'M TENSE AS FUCK. Edit: i guess i just had to put this somewhere. It kinda helped in a weird way

STOP YELLING IT WILL HELP BUT THANK YOU

Today after about 4 weeks of sitting on the idea I finally reported the doctor who implied I was lying about Anxiety in an attempt to get out of work while getting paid. What that asshole doesn't know is 1.) I was authorized time off for my anxiety and did not need a doctor's note from him. I was genuinely seeking help and 2.) I got a second opinion from someone who took mental health more serious who gave me a doctor's note to stay out of work for 2 weeks and gave me the suggestion to talk to a therapist. I return to my new doctor at the end of next week to see if more time is needed or if medication needs to be prescribed for my anxiety and depression. Nothing may come of my complaint but, at least I did it! Edit: I wanted to say I love that this is the the post that got me my first award ever! I also wanted to Thank /u/inevitable_Problem85 as they are the person who told me I should report him!

PCP's are ass at dealing with mental health. Mine told me in June I need to eat more vegetables and exercise... took until Oct 15th at a psych evaluation to be officially diagnosed and medicated. I could've started medication in June instead I spent summer most of fall just devastated. Mental health care here in the U.S. is terrible.

I've just found the song *"Internet Friends"* by Knife Party, which has a phone vibrating in it. I hate using phones to begin with, and it vibrating reminds freaks me out. Nobody should be calling me, so it must be bad. Does anybody else feel this way from a vibrating sound? Edit: Glad to know I'm not alone in this feeling. Also, a bonus for you: I once used my house phone to call my mobile phone to make sure it was working, and even holding the two phones was enough to raise my heart-rate, I have no idea why.

Anxious is a small word. I feel traumatised. It's been 2 years since my phone is on silent mode. I dont know why. I hate it though.

I only came to this realization recently and it's weird that it took so long when anxiety runs in my family. My mom's been hospitalized for panic attacks. I've had depressive bouts but every time I heard someone mention anxiety, my brain was like "hmmm. Not me." &#x200B; I though being awkward, nervous, on-edge, and uncomfortable 24/7 was just my personality. I thought my fear of talking to other people and my fear of making phone calls (often to the point of tears) was just me being shy. I thought constant chest tightness and pain was just normal stress. I thought it was normal for the smallest things to be beyond overwhelming. My intense fears of constantly fucking up had been with me for so long that I never thought twice about the rationale behind it. I have ADHD as well and when I thought maybe that was the cause of some of it, but when I got my adderall prescription, I wasn't magically cured of all my uncomfortableness. I was still a nervous, anxious person who also happened to be able to focus better than I used to. &#x200B; Two weeks ago, the feelings became stronger than normal. I had aches in my chest for days on end. I was so nervous and on edge--more so than usual. That happened out of nowhere, then an unexpected loss in the family sent me over the edge in terms of panicking. It dawned on me after the worst had passed that maybe this is an anxiety disorder. I did a lot of self-reflecting and realized maybe I've been anxious all my life and I Just never realized it because I thought it was normal. &#x200B; &#x200B; I don't really know what the point of me typing all this out is, but it just feels good to know maybe there's hope for me. I talked to my doctor and was prescribed zoloft last Friday. I don't know how much it will change me, I know that it's not some kind of magic pill, but just knowing that I'm not alone and that there's a chance to overcome this is so comforting to me. EDIT: I just wanna say thank you all for the kind comments and well wishes! It's so nice to find other people who can relate to what you're going through. I wish you all the best in your own personal journeys as well.

As I kid I thought I was just shy and that when I grew up it would go away and I'd be normal. Let's all laugh together. I'm happy you've figured stuff out about yourself and I wish you the best.

I've always thought that games could be great therapeutic tools if done correctly. My aim is to make a game relying on evidence based approaches, namely CBT (but also others), while also being fun, and not feel like a chore. Here's a link for the demo: [https://hmn.itch.io/think-again](https://hmn.itch.io/think-again)

Board certified family medicine physician with an MSc in social psychology. Let me know if you’re looking for anyone to join your team, I’d be happy to help.

Every interaction i have, is unconfortable for me. I feel like, if i text someone, im taking their time, annoying them. If i speak to someone, my voice annoys them. So i shut up. But is it worth it? Anyone else feels like this?

I’ve felt like that for all of high school. Truth is: if you really were annoying, people would tell you, believe me. Or people would avoid you and would not speak to you. I used to think like that because I was extremely self conscious due to being bullied for years. I thought no one would like me and I was a burden. But I wasn’t. And I’m pretty sure you aren’t as well. Ask people you trust about this. It’s scary, but it helps. Ask them if your voice sounds weird and tell them how you feel about wasting their time. I’m sure their answers will calm you down and make you more confident. You can use this to work on yourself and get better. I for myself can say that I don’t think you are annoying and you did not waste my time by asking this. Edit: I just saw some of your other posts. Dude, come here, take this virtual hug. I hope you are ok. It will get better.

So here is how my anxiety disorder looks like: your mum sends you a photo of the dog walking, with no caption. The leash looks like it broke on the photo so you call her. She doesn’t answer. You automatically go into a panic thinking the dog run away and got hit by a car and now your mum is panicking and that is why she doesn’t answer her phone so you keep calling and calling and crying and struggling to breathe until she eventually answers, and it was just the sun reflecting on the photo and the leash is fine and your dog is fine and everyone is fine, but you are now drained and just want to go hide under the covers and recuperate.

Yup... That's the gist. Had a complete meltdown Sunday after coming home from my parents and not being able to find my cat who has never run outside before and is scared of everything and would never try to run away... I just knew he was out on the streets lost and I was hysterical. He was just hiding in a different closet than usual. 😑 My brain goes from 0-100 in a blink of an eye...

just want this shit to be over id rather trump lose but idc at this point, i feel for you americans must be super stressed, and don't listen to the news they're just pumping out fear of worst case scenarios and drama

The fact that close to 70 million people blindly support this bacon makes me scared for humanity. It makes me wonder if maybe I’m the crazy delusional one

This goes out to everyone who's spent the day laying in your bed, scrolling theough reddit for the past 8 hours because you can't handle today, or don't have the motivation to get up. To everyone who's had a panic attack or indulged in something you shouldn't have. I want to send you a message of support in this sea of frustration, panic, and uncertainty. I wish I knew the exact words to help everyone who's in one of these positions today, to be able to make a positive impact in your life, and give you solace. Unfortunately, I can't, but I want you to know that mistakes and slip ups don't define you. Sometimes anxiety is so powerful it feels the only way to drown it out is to mindlessly scroll on your phone, or to have that beer you said you wouldn't have. Being on this subreddit in the first places means you have made a conscious decision to seek support and self improvement. You can get through these days, and if you feel like you can't, please seek out professional help. You are worth it. I had one of those self sabotage days today. My social anxiety has been crippling, I skipped the gym, smoked those cigs I planed to toss out, and spent today watching youtube videos instead of doing my work. I know that on these days seeing a post like this would help me, and that's why I'm writing this, so people in my situation today can see that they aren't alone this Sunday. Cheers to making it though these nasty days, and to here's to knowing we'll get through this. Edit: This post blew up more than I thought! I wish I could reply to all of you, but I'm super busy prepping for exams (that's right, today's not a self sabotage day like yesterday). I feel so happy that what I've said has helped people. S/o to the awesome community here, and to my fellow anxiety sufferers for being so welcoming and supportive to each other. Let's make today great!

I really needed this today, thank you.

the panic will subside, I promise you. take in deep breaths and remember that you are loved and appreciated. above all, you are strong, and a short-lived bout of anxiety won’t and can’t kill you, you beautiful, beautiful human being. idk you but I’m here for you. again, I love you. take care.

Whoever you are, thank you. I love your positivity. You have a great outlook.

Does anyone else just break down crying whenever they make the smallest mistake? I am so worried about never being good enough that anytime I do something wrong or can’t figure something out, the tears start coming. I feel like I have absolutely no control over my emotions and it’s humiliating me. I started crying in class, in front of my supervisor, and in public, all for reasons that seem so small in retrospect. But when I start crying I get so embarrassed that it makes me cry even more. My dad told me I need to grow a thicker skin and my supervisor told me my body language is always aloof and uncaring when I’m turning away to avoid making eye contact to try and stop the tears. I can’t seem to win. I can’t even check my email anymore because I’m so afraid to see someone saying I’ve done something wrong. I don’t feel as if I was made to fit into this world where I can’t even be told I’m not doing good enough without completely breaking down. What can I even do? I feel like I’ve lost all control of my life.

Love you OP. Edit: love everyone in this sub and in this world who does not commit crime ofcourse. Edit2: but mostly you OP 😎

That's the best way I can put it. When people are nice to me I convince myself it's forced, someone has asked them to do it/they are obligated to do it, and that I'm constantly making mistakes but people aren't telling me to spare my feelings. It borders on paranoia and is very overwhelming, I just constantly fear having made some sort of mistake/making someone mad and that nobody is telling me about it. It's a daily occurrence for me to have this thought process. Is that weird? Am I alone in this?

You're not alone. I regularly feel like I'm about to be fired or in trouble at work even though I've done nothing wrong and there's been absolutely no indication that they are unhappy with me. I try to use logic but it's exhausting.

Hi, I’m new here and I guess I just hope I’m not the only one that deals with this. I’m diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety. I’ve been making myself physically sick the past week over going to a bridal shower on the weekend. The reason I have the anxiety is just the fear of being judged by others or saying something stupid. I’ve even been in group therapy (iOP) for weeks to try and find ways to lessen my anxiety, but I just feel like I took a step back. Yesterday, I was so stressed out about this that I caused myself to vomit even; I’ve had a migraine, some random nausea, and heartburn the last week due to the stress and anxiety too. Is there anyone else who has this happen?

Happens all the time. When I'm really anxious I get very bad heartburn and headaches. Pretty much everything starts to hurt and all I want is to stay in bed forever.

I'm a junior in college, and I've never dated or even kissed a girl because of my Social Anxiety Disorder holding me back. I was officially diagnosed at the age of 15, and whenever I tried to date, I could never go through with it. I would seldom try to talk to girls about dating seriously, and when I did, I usually canceled or just chickened out. But today I was feeling good, I think I had done pretty well at an Exam I was studying all week for, and it was almost the weekend. I was in the class we're in and kept sneaking glances at her. The feeling in my gut surged when I thought about asking for her phone number. I keep thinking of reasons why I shouldn't, even though I know I wanted to. I finally just told my self "Screw it, I'm doing it" and threw caution to the wind, ignoring the feeling in my gut. I asked her after class was over, and she had me give her my number and texted me afterwards. Idk if anything will come of it, but this felt like a huge milestone for me! UPDATE: I texted her some, but she seldom replied, and even when she did, she didn't very interested. I don't think anything will come out of this, but this was a huge milestone for me and I'm proud of myself nonetheless!

Anxious dude here. One time I built up some courage and asked a girl for her number. Been married for 15 years now.

I JUST WENT INTO A CHANGING ROOM ALONE! IM SO HAPPYYY

Every small win is still a win! Kudos!

I feel so selfish for this because I’ve been lucky enough to be able to WFH and quarantine this entire time. At the beginning of shelter in place, I was too anxious to even be outside. But now that I’m comfortable going to parks, walking to the beach, hiking, etc., (I still don’t go shopping indoors) I absolutely am dreading going back to work and in-person college. I can’t tell if I’m using COVID as an excuse to socially isolate myself or if I’m genuinely still terrified of catching it/passing it, but I really love my new routine. I get to work on my own time without the awkward office chatter, don’t have to spend all day on campus being overly self-aware, I don’t feel obligated to attend social events, it’s honestly amazing. I’ve gotten to work more on meditation & other anxiety coping strategies. I feel so awful for the way I feel because this has been such a difficult & stressful time for so many people.

I can't think of going back to normal life(pre covid life). I feel so chill nowadays and feels like in the shell of my comfort zone. I don't need to travel daily, I don't need to push myself to have a conversation with someone. No awkward social interactions. I can eat whenever I want. Mostly I don't have to go outside of my house. Feels like paradise to me.

I thought I was being helpful with a comment but just saw I got downvoted -10 and now I feel awful 😑 UPDATE: Omg guys waking up to all these upvotes, awards and comments has just completely obliterated all the awfulness I was feeling when I created this post. You are all the actual best 😭

Same, I think that's just the way Reddit seems to go sometimes, try not to worry about it, it happens to absolutely everyone from time to time, no matter what you say 😊

Starting on Zoloft (daily) and Clonidine (as needed). I feel more hopeful than I have in years.

Congrats! Keep close track of any side effects and keep in touch with your doctors. Also, don’t be disappointed if it takes a while to kick in, good luck!

Hey, I know you may be going through a hard time right now and it may suck but just know that you'll get through this strong. At the end of it all you'll come out stronger than you started. Just know I'm always here for each and everyone of you. I may not know you guys but that doesn't mean I don't care about you. I love all of you guy. Recovery takes time some people have won the battle and other are still dealing with it but I believe that they'll get through it. If any of you need to talk I'm here for you anytime of the day. Just know that all of you guys are amazing human beings and you were put on this earth for a reason. Life may seem hard but trust me it gets better one way or another. Stay strong everyone, I believe in you guys. I wish you guys the best :)

I needed this, after a pretty rough anxiety attack. Thank you!

Edit; I've read every singe comment, and reading all new ones too. Sending everyone hugs :)

It’s so invalidating and it creates more anxiety

My mom posted several times on her Facebook talking about my recent hospital (psych ward) stay. (I’m 19, was 18 at the time, like it matters anyway, you shouldn’t post anyone’s personal info on social media whether they are your kid as a minor or not) Luckily she didn’t mention the psych ward part but I asked her to take it down because it’s private and no ones business but my own and my doctors but she didn’t so I had to resort to publicly commenting; “Mom, please take this down. As I said in person I would really prefer it and strongly ask that you dont talk about my mental health or my issues on your Facebook with people whom I don’t know. I love you, and no offense to anyone who’s read this post, but this information is private about me and I do not like that it has been shared without my consent. I understand your concerned for me, but this is no ones business but my own and my doctors. Thank you all for the well wishes, and have a blessed day.” Hopefully the embarrassment will get her to take it the fuck down. And before you ridicule me I did what I thought necessary. She needs to learn her place. She can’t go spouting my shit to everyone she meets. I won’t tolerate that shit. I’m not a minor any more, I’m a grown ass adult, and if I didn’t live in her house still she wouldn’t know a damn thing about me anymore. This shit is why I have trust issues. Edit; Of course she bitch at me about it and said “take down whatever you want to take down. I’m done with it.” I dont care at this point. I did what I had to do.

I think you did right. Your message isn't agressive at all and you explain the situation in the right way for me. You are right, your mental health is yours and shouldn't appear on Internet without your consent. I don't know in your country but in mine, your boss don't have the right to know why you're ill when you don't come at work because of privacy. So, if your job (where you pass the most of your time) don't have the right to know, I think your mom's friends don't need to know either. And there is a difference between telling that at some of her friends when she meet them or call them and post it on Facebook where a lot of people (and maybe not "friends") can see that. I hope you'll be better and this situation too.

It’s the worst week ever at university. Syllabus week. The week where everyone has to introduce themselves. I had to do it twice and each time my voice didn’t shake when usually it does. This is such a big deal for me. Cause I’m always embarrassed by how my voice shakes at first when introducing myself to others or talking in front of a large group.

That’s definitely a milestone, good for you! Use that victory to boost your confidence a bit :-)

My dog is my best friend, after everyday of me being on leave due to my anxiety he was by my side supporting me, he loves me and I love him. He’s the best dog in the world. Unfortunately he has a very crazy cancer that is spreading over his body. I ache for him and want to relieve him, but I am unsure how I am going to handle it. He’s not a legal therapy dog, but is definitely my therapy. I don’t know what to do, I am picking him up from icu tomorrow and bringing him home to die in peace in his favorite spot. I am having him privately cremated and returned to me. He is only 5 years old for Christ sake. [here is my boy](https://imgur.com/gallery/x2coH9C) Edit: I really appreciate all the support, we go to pick up my boy in a few hours from ICU at the university of Florida. It’s a long drive and I hope he makes it home okay. We’ve been all over trying to get him the best care and to save his life. He has an awful pneumonia right now that refuses to heal due to the spreading cancer, so hearing him breath is very difficult. I know what I am doing is the best for him, but it really doesn’t make me feel better. I am constantly wishing they’d magically call me and tell me he’s okay, as stupid as that sounds. He’s scheduled to be put down at 4pm est at home with me by his side his whole time. [here is my favorite picture of him](https://imgur.com/gallery/6F9wtXG) Edit 2: he’s in the car with me. I’m reading him all your comments I can tell he likes them Final edit: Arthas passed away at 4:15pm est at his home surrounded by the people who loved him more than he could possibly know. I love you boy. I’ll miss you forever. [Rest in peace Arthas](https://imgur.com/gallery/Mq9zQMK)

I will be praying for both of you. Just know the last thing he will see is his bestfriend's face and the last thing he will smell is his bestfriend's scent and the last thing he will feel is his bestfriend's warm touch. That sounds like a beautiful way to die to me May he find relief and comfort

Hey all. I’m 26 years old (F) and decided to run for City Council in the spring of this year. After making it through the primary, I worked on my campaigning all myself. Made my flyer, bought the list of registered voters from the city, bought all postage, folded them, and mailed them all out. Tonight is a win for all of us. It’s proof that we can get over these mental barriers from anxiety if we let ourselves. It’s a hard fight, but tonight more than one battle was won.

Congratulations on your victory. You championed your Anxiety for this fight. Also, congratulations on being elected. We got this together. Rome wasn't built in a day, neither were we. We'll do this the same way we always have, one day at a time!

The day has finally come. After six years of teaching, I know I need to quit. My acid reflux and insomnia have gotten so bad that I feel like dying most days. People keep telling me to hang in there - that teaching gets better with time and experience. But it only keeps getting worse for me. The racing thoughts are ceaseless. Now I need to figure out how to tell my supervisor. I know it's going to be a huge disappointment to him. He needs me. My school needs me. My students need me. But I need to put my health first now. I can't imagine what everyone is going to think of me. They will probably think I'm crazy or weak or both. I've been looking for other jobs the past two years and haven't been able to find anything. I will be moving back home and living off of unemployment for as long as I can. Hopefully I can find something else soon. Edit: Wow I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. I've never felt so seen and supported in my life (and I'm not just saying that). I wrote this post as a "let me just get these bad feelings out and send them out into the universe" type of thing, never thinking I would get so much love in return. You are all amazing people and you are all FIGHTERS - not failures. You have helped me see that I am not a failure either, and I wish I could give each and every one of you a hug. I wish all of you the happiness and health that life has to offer. Thank you x a million.

That is a huge success--putting yourself first. Try not to think of it as a failure, but instead as a step in the right direction. You can reconsider once your nerves are a little less shot. I am in the same boat right now, unemployed and living at my parents house. Some days I get really down on myself but other days I'm like FUCK YEAH I'm not having panic attacks every day after work and wanting to die because of my physical symptoms. I am so proud of you for making that decision because I know it wasn't easy. Hang in there bud!!!

Sometimes at night I’ll go over the things I said during the day and just cringe at myself and think everyone was so annoyed with me and then I convince myself that I need to stop talking and be a neutral person with no personality. Does anyone else do this??

Yes all the time.

This happened to me today Needed the energy to get some work done. Instead, got a panic attack mid lunch with coworkers... Played it off really well, but I feel like trash now. Oh well

Green tea at a constant rate - less caffeine overall than coffee but without the ups and downs that cause the panic. At least that's what's worked for me.

Sometimes I feel like I don't have a personality beyond the anxiety. I've been anxious my whole life. There are so many things that I can't do because of this fucking disorder. It makes me feel so fucking hopeless.

I have definitely felt that way sometimes. I remember once my therapist asked me if I could envision who I would be without my anxiety, and it honestly scared me. I didn’t know how to answer, how to envision myself, who I would be. I have to remind myself that I am not my anxiety, it doesn’t control me, even if it really wants to, but that it is a real part of me, not just in my head, and that I have to accept it if I want to deal with it.

I fucking did it. 5.5 years, 3 schools and 2 majors later I finally graduated with my bachelor’s degree and have a full time job lined up. My anxiety was so bad this last semester all I wanted to do was take a semester off and push everything back because I didn’t think I could get through it, but I did. And now I’m done. I’m just proud of myself and wanted to share. For anyone who thinks they can’t achieve their goals because of this debilitating illness, you can. Don’t let it stop you. Edit: thank you all so much for your kind words and support! I also majored in risk management & insurance for those asking.

I can't achieve my goals but congrats🏆🏆🏆 happy for ya😊

All week I've been overthinking every interaction I have with the people I'm close to and overanalyzing any comments they might make. I've totally convinced myself that my fiancé actually hates me and thinks I'm incompetent garbage and it feels bad, man.

It’s completely understandable to feel like this. Especially because you don’t like or love yourself so you begin to doubt the ones who do. The biggest thing to remember is that they’ve been with you this long, through all your ups and downs so of course they love you!!

Lately ive become more and more unsure what i want from my life, and everytime I feel sad, mad or deprived of energy i just wanna pack my shit and go, its mostly a coping mechanism i think, but its also way more. I fantasize about living somewhere else or in a different reality, because i feel like i could never achieve an interesting life where i am now. I know I have to start working towards something in order to feel fulfilled but since i have no idea what i want, i lose motivation soon enough. And thus i get stuck in this cycle of mediocrity, of understanding what i need to do, but not a reason as to why to do it. At this point im not even sure wether iv ever had or still have depression/anxiety/mental illness, i just know that since i was a kid ive never ever felt fullfilled. The past years ive seen problems come at me from so far away but i never seem to have the energy to move out of the way of the problem coming at me. And lately it seems all the rest i get is from ether being asleep or getting drunk/high and finally getting rid of the annoyance that is being consience without purpose. Dont worry about substance abuse because even though im without purpose, for some reason my mind wont let me get addicted to something it knows is bad. So i guess subconsciously im still hoping for a better future.

Only all the damn time

I’m in college now and I’m an introvert. I made a post about what it’s been like attending college during the pandemic. I mention my social anxiety and how it prevents me from leaving my comfort zone and meeting new people. Trust me, I have been working on it. Someone has the audacity to comment and tell me to “get over it” because I’m in college now. I can’t tell you how much that pissed me off. Okay, miss rising high school junior, why don’t you take my social anxiety and depression with you? See how it feels and how difficult it is to simply “get over it”. Social anxiety is a real mental health issue. Jesus Christ, you think being one of those “chance me for college admissions, I take my studies seriously” people would actually have a brain cell and some empathy. People don’t take mental health seriously. This really infuriates me.

I totally feel this. The things people say to people with mental health issues made a whole subreddit called r/wowthanksimcured and it's like, yeah, that's my life sometimes

Sending all of you hugs and a reminder to take care of yourself and your loved ones. The little things can be the hardest in the face of all these big scary things. Take a deep breath in, and back out. You are going to get through this. 💙

Social media is the worst right now. I just spent ten min on fb and my heart rate is through the roof

I’ve had this issue ever since I was 5 and I only recently realised it’s probably related to my anxiety but I’m curious to know if anyone else has the same problem? I always bite a lot of flesh off of my lips and the inside of my cheeks then end up with sores that sting really bad when I touch them with my tongue, talk or eat. Sometimes I don’t realise Im doing it and other times I’m fully conscious but I just can’t stop. If anyone does this and can relate please comment I’m very interested, also if anyone has any tips on how to stop please help me by commenting that too🙏🙏🙏

I do this all the time!! You’re definitely not alone. It’s not foolproof and I certainly haven’t stopped doing it but one thing that might help is chewing gum or sucking on hard candy or something, keeps your mouth/teeth occupied.

Sometimes I over share, thinking some one else genuinely cares but then they don't give me the reaction I'm expecting and i instantly regret it. Or someone may seem like they care and I over share but later get anxiety because they now know personal stuff about me. Anybody else experience anxiety from this? How do you cope?

So much. I always feel drained after. Like I've physically given away a piece of myself I don't have anxiety in the moment so much as I get post-social anxiety & second guess myself afterwards

I have absolutely no problem speaking to whoever in person. Just no problem. But picking up the phone and make a call... God, it drives me anxious to oblivion. I don't know why, but it's one of the most uncomfortable things for me.

I **never** want to talk to **anyone** on the phone, to the point where I will have my spouse order pizza or answer unknown numbers on my phone if I’m waiting for a call. But, I work in a call center because I needed a job desperately at the time. The stress I feel on a daily basis is unbearable. All I get to warn me that a call is coming through is a beep on the phone. Then I have to keep a calm customer service voice whether or not I’m being yelled at, talked over, or being blamed for a bad connection. It’s a living nightmare for me. One my superiors even tried to guilt me into staying by telling me I wouldn’t function in another job because of my anxiety. It’s made me decide to leave the job because they’ve overstepped their bounds into bullying to keep me around (I have nearly perfect performance scores because I worry about doing badly).

I realised I always have background noise, audiobooks, music, netflix, something on. I especially need this in times of quiet or before bed when my anxious and obsessive thoughts start to eat away at me. I can't seem to be alone with my inner thoughts, I'm not sure if it's healthy or not but the white noise seems to stem the flow and ease my mind

Yup. It's why I fall asleep to TV and am always listening to something

I am taking Lexapro and doing therapy, but I also made a lot of lifestyle changes have made a huge difference, so I wanted to share my list. 1. I went completely caffeine free. It's been about a month. I also was having headaches and issues with my blood pressure, both of which are better. I didn't think I'd be able to do this (was having 3 to 4 cups of strong coffee and 1-2 sodas per day) but I feel so much better off it. I drink a lot of decaf tea and water. The first week was rough (headaches!) but I powered through and stuck with it. 2. I stopped going on Facebook altogether. The whole "comparison" crap and drama, don't need it. 3. I don't watch the TV news. Ever. 4. I am not overweight, but I started exercising. My therapist told me this is a great treatment for anxiety and he was right. I just do power walk videos on You Tube, nothing fancy. 5. I eat breakfast every day now (was not doing this before) and started eating more fruits and vegetables. 6. My therapist told me to do more things that I enjoy. So with all the time I have since I'm not on Facebook so much, I am reading books. Light fiction, nothing that stresses me out. I also have been trying to do some of those adult coloring books, but sometimes I get anxious about what colors to use or if my picture will looks good (ridiculous, I know), so that's a process. 7. I have the Headspace app and do some mindfulness. This is really challenging for someone with anxiety I think. Sometimes you don't want to be inside your head too much. But I have found the Managing Anxiety series to be really helpful, with the noting strategies and just acknowledging the anxious thoughts without judging them or trying to run away from them. 8. My therapist also told me to do things that build confidence. So I try to focus on things I'm good at, because baking a delicious cake or doing a good job at my work does help me feel better about myself. 9. I can't say enough good things about therapy and my counselor. This is the first time in my life (I'm 40) that I have taken this step and it is incredibly helpful. If you're struggling with anxiety, think about it. I started with my employer's EAP (employee assistance program) which offered 3 free sessions, and then moved on to a "real" counselor because it was so helpful. Look into if your work has this as an option, it's free! Recognize that anxiety management is a process, and not just a switch we can turn off. My instinct previously was to try to run away from it. I hated it and I was mad at it. But now I understand that it's part of who I am, I have to accept that and I have to learn how to manage it. Hang in there, friends. You got this. Edit: thank you for all the kind comments, and for the gold ❤️

Great read. It's a battle but know that you are not alone. Going to try a few of your tips. &#x200B; Thank you!

For anyone who needs to hear this, it will be okay. Whatever you are fearing right now will pass, just like everything you've feared in the past worked itself out on its own. Things may not go the way you expect them, and that's okay. That's the way life is for everyone. But everything will work itself out in the end. You will find a job, you will get that degree, you will find love, you will be successful, the terrible thing you are worried about will probably not happen, and even if something unexpected does occur you are 100% strong enough to get through it. You are stronger than you think and you will be okay. There is nothing wrong with you. You are not weird or a loser or a stereotype. You are not ugly or bad or defective. You are so much more. You are a flawed but beautiful human soul who is so much more valuable and complex than anyone around you could ever comprehend. You are okay and you are going to be okay.

I have recently realised how bad my situation might be, and I really needed this, thank you

It took some help from my meds but I answered all the questions and my interviewer seemed to like me. Here’s hoping they say yes!

Don’t stress! Take the day off, you’ve earned it. Congratulations on getting through the interview. Few more steps & you got yourself a job!

I tend to have them each morning or if I wake up in the middle of the night (because I have to pee LOL) and I managed to keep my anxiety in check!! It's kinda exciting. &#x200B; EDIT: Thank you so much for the gold!! I hope everyone has a great day!! <3

Good for you! Every victory is worth celebrating. 👍🏻

I’m done with this

Anyone else get ready 20 minutes before you actually need to leave, then just sit around being anxious for 20 minutes?

I'm prone to anxiety attacks and handle them well but lately between moving and HRT they've been terrifyingly worse. I just learned 3-3-3: Name 3 things you see, 3 things you hear, then move 3 parts of your body. My attacks almost instantly go away, if you have never heard of this try it. It snaps your brain back to reality, and I had so much doubt while learning how to do it that it working so well legit caught me off guard.

There’s also the 5-4-3-2-1 for grounding, say outloud 5 things you can see 4 thing you can feel 3 things you hear 2 things you smell and 1 thing you can taste (or something like that)

I was standing in line for food and this woman her mother and her boyfriend came up behind me and asked if i was in line, i said a simple "oh, yeah" pointed at the line, went back to fiddling on my phone to ease my anxiety. And thus began the fifteen minute barrage of degrading comments. She made fun of my voice, the way i stood, i leaned against a wall and she made fun of it. I tried texting someone about the pinch i was in and she made fun of me for texting so much. By the time i finally got to order i could hardly speak because i was on the verge of throwing up. The whole time she made fun of me i was just hanging my head pretending not to hear...im never going back there again even though it was my favorite place to eat. When i leave the house now i feel so small and worthless. Everything she said was all the "silly" things my anxiety constantly nagged me about that I constantly assured myself nobody cared about. That stranger destroyed my confidence, i have no desire to go anywhere

An insecure hell demon doesn't deserve to deprive you of your favorite restaurant. Don't let her get away with that.

Well actually I haven’t had it for maybe weeks now, not since January or early February. In my head, what started off as a thoughts of how to kill myself if I reach my suicidal phase turns into a “I want to die.” But I realize that I can’t kill myself, because I can’t do it, it’s not in me, it’s in my head but it doesn’t tell me to do it. I never attempted it and can’t even cut my arm. So I stop having it because it’s not gonna happen. For a while, I think the reasoning behind this is because I’m a coward, I couldn’t end the pain of living so I have to live like you’re half alive and half dead at the same time. Recently, I talk about this to a lad I know, and he said that wasn’t cowardice, that was bravery. Because despite all the shit that happens to me and around me and in the world, I still choose to live. Despite growing up in a dysfunctional family, despite not studying that much in school and potentially not getting into college, despite the world being a shitty place where the rich gets richer where the rest burns in hell. Despite all of that odds, I’m still here. Not living fully, but still breathing, that’s a plus for me I guess, I am crawling but I am moving slowly. I went to sleep that night and give myself a smile in the dark because why not? It’s a command given by a brain, but a smile. Maybe I’ll read a book, idk.

I agree with the person you know, that is definitely bravery. One of our most basic human instincts is to live. If you were feeling so low that you felt suicidal then you were clearly dealing with a lot. I’m sorry you were going through that but I admire you for speaking so candidly about it on here and for being able to voice a desire to live. Im sure it feels like a slow journey but as you say, you are moving forwards and that’s great. Good luck with everything!

Okay so it’s in a city 2.5 hours away from where I live so it’s a bit of cheating, as what’s put me off doing it before is seeing someone I know lol, and I am doing it to distract myself from not eating today...but I’m still doing it! I’m still super self-conscious about it but I’m not bailing..yet anyway. I’m pathetic I know lol, but there’s not many other places I can post about it, so here I am haha Edit: Thanks for all the kind comments! I really enjoyed the movie and I’m glad I went! :)

Just so you know, literally no one there cares that you’re there alone. And if anyone notices, nothing bad will happen to you. It’s all good.

Take a breath slowly, fully (belly-chest-head), and as comfortably as possible, and let it out the same way. Repeat this for a minute or as long as you need, and you will feel better. Try to smile if you can because it does help a bit. If it's still tight, it helps to hold the tension (safely) on purpose, and then let the tension go as you exhale. For your chest try breathing in fully (belly-chest-head), holding it, and "squeezing" the air to your head. After a bit (10 seconds or so) let it go and feel the tension dissipate. You guys deserve this for toughing it out in this crazy time of our lives. You will get through, and here's a ritual to help you out. Whenever you want to dial it back a bit, go through these motions. Here's a virtual hug you guys.

This is important to remember, thank you! Also one thing I learned a couple of years ago to release tension is to drop your tongue from the roof of your mouth. I had no idea I was doing this and it made a huge difference once I realized!

Lately my anxiety has been making it hard to eat full meals/meals at all. I’ve been barely choking down 4 bites of food at meal times and trying to supplement with nutrition drinks, all while feeling sick and nauseous almost all the time, and waking up starving in the mornings while still unable to eat much of anything. Even my favorite foods would sound good in concept, but be nauseating once set in front of me. Plus I was wasting so much food just trying to eat anything, and I hate things going to waste. But today my dad made me a grilled cheese for dinner and I ATE THE WHOLE THING! I could feel that terrible stomach feeling trying to overcome me every time I let my thoughts wander, but when that happened I would slow down and take deep breaths and remind myself that everything is ok, then try to distract myself in the dinner table conversation. Anyways, it’s not much, but it’s the first full meal I’ve been able to finish in weeks and I’m so happy I wanted to share.

YAY!! I am so proud of you.

I just wanted to say happy new year to all the people in here who suffer from anxiety. I know it's such a hard thing to get over but we are the strong ones, anxiety can't take us away from our beautiful lives. Just keep fighting with it, we'll see better days in 2020. I love you all!

We will see better days. Happy New Year! 🤗

As someone with pretty bad anxiety who also likes to keep up to date with the news and learn more about things to stay informed and try to be an ally, I find myself emotionally drained because this year is just so much. Is it better to avoid the news and social media when I’m feeling anxious? Because then I get anxiety about having the privilege to have the ability to just not pay attention to certain social justice issues. Either way this year sucks and my anxiety can’t handle it if it gets any worse. Edit: Thank you so much for all the kindness and thoughtful responses. It really means a lot to me.

Same. It’s really hard. It feels like the whole weight of this ridiculously bad year is with me all the time. I worry about the world more than myself. Hugs to you friend

Such as attending a concert, speaking in front of an audience, or anything that makes you nervous? I used to be fine going to shows, concerts, anything. I liked it. But ever since my first ever panic attack I've been physically "shaky", even sometimes when I am not even mentally worried at the time. It's like my body turned into a chicken. Now when I attend an event, I sometimes feel stress symptoms. Then after the high excitement/stress event, I sometimes get a "hangover" period. I feel so exhausted and sometimes hungry. This is when the heart palpitations sometimes kick in. I feel my wrist and it's sometimes about every 5th beat, and sometimes about every 20th beat. These heart palpitations give my chest a weird, uneasy feeling. There's this vague but strong discomfort in chest area, to the point where the thought of going to the ER crosses the mind. Then I go to bed, get lots of sleep, and wake up still tired when slight anxiety-like tremors the next day. But then as that day progresses, it starts to feel a little better. Does anyone's body feel "shaken" after high excitement/stress events where it takes a while to recover?

Yes. I feel like I am drunk or hungover. My brain feels like mush. So I used that time to try and just experience, if that makes sense. Just lay in bed and feel- the bed, my clothes, etc. I essentially reset my brain and have a numbness. Breathing normally and shit Edit: I'm so amazed and happy that so many people could relate to this! ❤ it will get better... or I hope so

Like literally I want to puke. Everyday. Why. So much healing. I can’t even go out literally. I just want to stay in my house. Sit in my room. Cook food. Maybe go outside IF it’s sunny. Edit: also, does anyone eat their anxiety?? Is that a thing? Edit #2: do you guys in the replies think maybe you’re being is sensitive than others? I consider myself a clairsentient empath, which is a nice gift and I’m grateful, but it also means that I am highly sensitive to other people’s energy. So my social anxiety is the one I struggle with most. I can feel. Every. Fucking. Thing. No joke. I can feel if someone looks at me, and throws a judgement my way. It’s like every time that I go out I have to put this huge mental shield around my body and focus on staying grounded, or it’s really challenging, so many things to feel, to process.

Are you me? Yeah, this is the worst I've been in a long time. I want to puke and cry every morning and then when I try to analyse my life, I come to the conclusion that my life really isn't that bad and somehow that just makes it worse! I hate this. I'm genuinely terrified that this will be me forever and I don't know how much more I can take.

It was scary at first but I made it through. I suffer from Social Anxiety and doing the 5 minute presentation to 80 people (that went well) made me more confident. When you finish it you think to yourself what the hell was I thinking beforehand, you really become more aware of the cognitive bias

Yay you!!! Congratulations! I can read how proud you are and you should be! Good job! What techniques did you use? I ask because this is definitely a growth area for me. Thanks for sharing!

“well, just go get it done now. I want it done by the end of the afternoon. this is like FUN work for you! oh and, go take some deep breaths.” .... this is why I don’t even speak about my mental health. I can be on the verge of tears on a call with a professor, and their reply is to go do the work anyways. It’s disgusting and I wish professors would treat bad mental health like they would bad physical health. I am not doing well and it disappoints me every time when I remember that the world as a whole simply doesn’t care.

I'm sorry, that sucks. Clearly, that professor has never dealt with debilitating mental illness. I am a teacher with anxiety and ADHD, and some of my coworkers think I'm "too nice" to students. But I was there, and it was awful, and teachers that were jerks about it made all the problems 10x worse. Maybe there is someone else you can reach out to for help? Or maybe someone you trust can help you get some actionable steps together both for your mental health and in your classes. Either way, hang in there. You can do it, I believe in you.

As the title says, I’ve got “a case of the spooks” where I feel woozy and dizzy and icky about just going to a car wash. As a kid I used to love going, but now I find the chemically smell kind of difficult to manage. But the car is dirty and I want to do this. So now that anxiety has gotten involved, I want to be rude to it. So I’m gonna go get this car clean! Edit: we got there and there was a line up of 5 cars ahead of us, so I had to double down on anticipatory anxiety too, but I WON. And the car is very pretty now!

You’re brave for getting out. Anxiety is a shit roommate, so please be shitty to it in return.

All the worries and problems of your life start popping in your head and makes your morning miserable. The evenings before are relatively calm but the anxiety hits hard in the morning while you're still in bed. Edit: Thank you all for the responses. Makes me feel that I'm not alone in this. I really hope this passes for all of us.

Yes. I wake up terribly anxious, hopeless and depressed every. single. morning. It's so exhausting and I hate knowing that this is what waking up will feel like for me indefinitely. It's such a bummer that my first words of the day are always, "I don't want to do this. I'm so tired. This day is going to be so boring. I hate my job, etc." I literally fight my sleep at night because the sooner I go to sleep, the sooner I have to wake up.

The suffering is real but you're suffering a simulation. It's not real. It's imaginary. It's all lies. A part of your own mind made it up so it can't be an actual danger. Actual dangers come from outside you. Fear is meant to protect you from danger. But when fear overworks and causes life to become a living hell, it loses its whole point of existence. Fear isn't meant to make you suffer endlessly, it is only meant to spur you to act in defense for a short while. If you keep looping in a fear cycle, fear has defeated its own purpose and should stop functioning. There is a reasonable amount of light fear called Eustress that is justified and keeps you on your toes in a hostile environment. Anything more than that fear, anything that paralyses you, that hinders your full functioning, that prevents you from thinking straight, that prevents you from working according to a plan, is excess fear, and by definition has defeated its own purpose. Such fear has no point existing. The higher number of times you affirm "I'm actually safe except for XYZ" the the faster you will feel better. Remember, unless you're actually in an active war zone or shooting, you;re quite safe. Say it to yourself - "I'm actually quite safe except for XYZ". Finally, remember: Hot flashes, crawling ants, crampy, pain, tingling, needles and other sensations, are _discomfort_, not danger. Discomfort is uncomfortable, but safe. Edit: Jesus Christ this blew up. Thank you so much for all the awards. Replying will take time. Y'all know how it goes - up and down, excited, scared, happy, sad, the full range in an hour!

I have made this into my desktop wallpaper cuz shit I need to read this everyday

Hi beautiful people ❤️ Just wanted to vent here over the same feelings everyone else probably has. I’ve been watching a lot of shows (haven’t we all tbh) lately and seeing people living normally onscreen makes me so sad. I’ve become so used to how we’re living now that it sometimes trips me out to see people without masks on TV. I hate that going to the grocery store gives me intense anxiety now and that Wal-Mart feels like a goddamn battle zone for me lmao. I hate how paranoid and helpless I’ve been feeling. I hate that I’m afraid to leave my house and fear every time my loved ones do too. I hate that my boyfriend and I feel like we’re in a long distance relationship when he’s only 40 minutes away haha. I hate that I can’t hold my baby cousin and see his chubby lil face. I hate that I can barely see my loved ones outside of the house and I worry about them every day. I hate that I have to plan how I can do basic things like going to the post office or going to work just to minimize exposure. I hate that the government where I live is basically useless in keeping us safe and they just keep prioritizing money over our health. I hate that almost no one in Hawai’i (where I live) is taking it seriously anymore, tourists are still coming in, and our numbers are literally tripling by the day. My OCD and anxiety has kicked into an intense high gear ever since this happened and it’s so emotionally draining. And it doesn’t help that every extreme precaution I take for my parents sake, they don’t follow. Whenever I get home from work or the store, it’s like a 30 minute process of sanitizing all my belongings that I brought, showering, washing my clothes, and cleaning my hands a million times. But my family doesn’t do the same so I’m worried that it’s all for nothing. We’ve luckily been ok for the most part and I feel privileged to be able to say that. I feel a little silly complaining, but as a house full of essential workers (aside from my dad who got fired from his job at the beginning of COVID after 19 years) I’m just constantly on edge. I just wanna protect all my loved ones and I feel like I can’t. And I know I can’t. I just wish I could. I just needed to vent because like everyone else, I just feel so drained. But I still feel lucky to have what and who I have at the same time. I just wish this was over already. It feels like it won’t ever be.

My mother in law is dying and covid is everywhere. Christ it's a nightmare I'm with you though OP.

You aren’t dying. You don’t have a rare disease or cancer. No tumors or some weird flesh eating virus that hasn’t been seen in decades. You aren’t going insane. You don’t have MS, or any other genetic disorder. You have anxiety. May I suggest a list of good vibes for this spooky season?? 1) love yourself. Actually mean it though. Look in the mirror and instead of analyzing your body over anything that appears to be different tell yourself how amazing you are. 2) drink water, I mean lots of water, drink some liquid IV also. Comes in many flavors and it’s a lot healthier than other drinks. Try to lay off the sodas (however treat yourself every now and then) 3) sleep. I mean sleep like you never slept before. Go to bed earlier, turn your phone on airplane mode and just let the cold room engulf you as if you are in the Arctic (that’s how cold I love it) 4) eat healthier. Try not to eat chips, junk food. Baked chicken and veggies are great always. (Again treat yourself every once in awhile) 5) breathing exercises. This is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. Did you know breathing can help with a lot of medical problems? I suggest you read a book called “Breath” by James Nestor. It’s an extraordinary piece of work. Remember to love yourself and remember that I love you.

this is simple reassurance but it means a lot, thank you

I don’t know what I want to say with this post really, and I hope someone doesn’t get offended by it. I just want to share my thoughts and support to anyone in that situation. It isn’t much but I want to shed some lights on you. Some of us has this kind of support but it’s easy to take it for granted. Keep fighting. I really hope you can get help and support from someone you are close to soon. Also, this sub has proven that a lot of redditors like to help strangers.

Thank you! I appreciate it. :) As a 24 year old who has no family or close friends and whose collegues are completely ignoring any precautions even though I'm in the risk group for the virus, I really am holding on to anything that i can get lmao.